An analysis of advocacy: a collaborative essay.

OBJECTIVES: To review the development of advocacy and its influence on health policy from the perspective of AIDS, the American Cancer Society, the Cancer Leadership Council, and the Patient Advocacy Foundation. DATA SOURCES: Published articles, news articles, books and personal experience. CONCLUSIONS: Advocacy on behalf of patients in the health care arena is a powerful force in modern life. Advocacy organizations have been influential in the development of health policy. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: There are a variety of advocacy organizations in which nurses can commit their energies in the support of advocacy.